How to be Prettier: It’s hard to find a sequined dress that looks both classy and fun, so I start shopping for New Year’s Eve dresses early (I think it’s important to ring in the New Year in sequins). This is the dress I have my eye on now as a front-runner for that day.

How to be Smarter: I get a lot of questions about blogging and how to increase blog readership, and I read a lot of books on the topic myself. This e-book is one of the most inexpensive, helpful guides I’ve read for new bloggers.

How to be Prettier: A trend I am seeing everywhere this fall is lace; a nice dress or top with lace detailing is both subtly trendy and will still look classically elegant once the seasonal trend passes.

How to be (less) Awkward: Some people eat more, some people eat less. But no person wants how much or how little they are eating to be the subject of dinner conversation. (And, if you are genuinely worried someone has a problem, embarrassing them in public by calling attention to their food habits isn’t the route to express your concern).

How to be Smarter: Even before you start thinking about leaving your job, start looking at job postings for other jobs a level above yours. What skills do these positions require? Now is the time to expand your skill set so when you do update your resume and go on interviews for your next position, you are qualified and prepared to advance your career.

How to be Prettier: When I was applying to colleges, as a reward for getting into schools, I allowed myself to buy one piece of clothing from each school I got into. Even now, seven years later, I still smile when I pull on socks or a sweatshirt from a school I worked hard to get into, but didn’t necessarily attend.

How to be (less) Awkward: If he doesn’t look at you with that sparkle in his eye from the first time you meet, he may simply never look at you like that. That’s okay! There are so, so many others that will.

How to be Smarter: Few things ruin a relationship faster than unwarranted, nervous jealousy.

How to be Prettier: In college, make sure to invest in a bedspread you enjoy looking at, because in a small, crowded dorm room, your bed will become a dining room table, a desk, and a place to sleep.

How to be (less) Awkward: A fast way to bond with roommates is to always make sure you get ready together. Even if you aren’t going to the same place, make an effort to get ready on Friday nights at the same time as them. Blast the music, ask their opinion on which shoes to wear, compliment their outfit choice, and ask if there are any cute boys they are hoping to see that night. It’s an easy, no pressure way to become better friends.

P.S. I’m speaking at the virtual Indie Biz Chicks Conference, held September 27 and 28. I’m excited for my portion, on Blogging Basics, but there are a ton of really helpful talks that I’m looking forward to learning from. Would love for you to join as well!

How to be Smarter: The best book, the very best book, I have read this year is Think by Lisa Bloom. I cannot recommend it more. Please read it, e-mail me, tell me what you think. It’s the perfect discussion book.